B-Side Guys

Musicians often draw inspiration from unexpected sources. On “Queen of the Planet,” English-born, Nashville-based industry veteran Chris Roach finds his muse in DC Comics’ most tenacious reporter, crafting a tribute that celebrates journalistic determination through cleverly constructed power-pop.

The track opens with restrained acoustic guitar and understated vocals before morphing dramatically at the 37-second mark. This transformation from contemplative verse to muscular chorus creates effective dramatic contrast, suggesting the dual nature of its inspiration—professional reporter and superhero-adjacent figure navigating extraordinary circumstances.

What immediately impresses is Roach’s instrumental versatility. Beyond handling vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass himself, he demonstrates impressive compositional instincts. Each section serves clear narrative purpose, with production choices enhancing thematic elements. When celebrating a character defined by truth-seeking amid fantastical events, this balanced approach feels particularly appropriate.

Producer Will Lynde provides crucial textural elements through keyboard work and programming that complement rather than compete with the guitar-driven foundation. Lead guitarist Dane Kinser adds tasteful embellishments that enhance the track’s emotional progression without resorting to unnecessary flourishes. This collaborative restraint creates space for the composition’s lyrical exploration to remain central.

Perhaps most effective is how Roach’s musical approach reflects his subject’s essential characteristics. The verses establish journalistic determination through methodical melodic development, while the chorus explodes with the kind of confident energy possessed by someone who regularly faces supervillains without superpowers. The production captures both intellectual rigor and emotional intensity—qualities essential to the character’s enduring appeal.

For Roach, whose resume includes work with GRAMMY winners Shenandoah and GRAMMY nominee Eric Paslay, this second single represents fascinating creative evolution. Rather than simply leveraging his industry credentials, he’s embarked on a quirky conceptual project exploring comic book characters—bringing professional craftsmanship to material that might easily become mere novelty in less skilled hands.

As “Queen of the Planet” demonstrates, Roach has found fertile creative territory in this niche. By approaching fictional characters with genuine artistic consideration rather than superficial reference, he creates music that resonates beyond its conceptual origins. For listeners who appreciate well-crafted rock with unexpected lyrical depth, Roach offers compelling evidence that inspiration can arrive from anywhere—even the pages of a comic book.